Unit 2 Flashcards
How much is reflected back bro space by CLOUDS + ATMOSPHERE?
26%
How much is absorbed by CLOUDS + ATMOSPHERE and radiated back into space of down to earth?
19%
Greenhouse Effect
Gases in Earth’s atmosphere trap heat from the sun and radiate it back down to earth
Greenhouse Gasses (GHGs)
How much a molecule of any compound can contribute to global learning over a period of 100yrs relative to a molecule of CO2.
Natural sources of GHGs
- volcanic eruptions (CO2)
- decomposition + disruption
- denitrification (Nitrogen cycle)
- evaporation + évapotranspiration (H20)
Aerobic conditions
CO2 —> w/oxygen
Anaerobic conditions
CH4 —> w/o oxygen (wetlands + termites)
Évapotranspiration
Moving water from soil to leaves —> less trees —> less rain
Anthropogenic sources of GHGs
- burning fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas)
- agriculture practices
- deforestation
- landfills
- industrial production of CFCs
Fossil Fuels
Oil, coal, natural gas
CFCs
Man-made; used in refrigeration in air conditioners, freezers, and refrigerants
Carbon Cycle
Movement of molecules that contain carbon (CO2, glucose, CH4) between sources + sinks
Carbon sink
A carbon reservoir that stores more carbon than it releases (ocean: algae + sediments, plants, soil)
Carbon sources
Process that adds carbon to atmosphere (fossil fuels combustion, animal agriculture, deforestation)
Photosynthesis
Removes CO2 from the atmosphere + converts it into game (plants, algae, plankton)
Glucose
Biological form of carbon + stored energy in the form of sugar
Cellular respiration
Use O2 to break glucose down + release energy + releases CO2 into the atmosphere (done by plants + animals to release stored energy)
Direct exchange
CO2 moves directly between atmosphere and the ocean by dissolving into and out of ocean water @ the surface
Algae + phytoplankton
Takes out CO2 out of the ocean + atmosphere through photosynthesis
Coral reefs + marine org. W/shells
Takes CO2 out of the ocean to make calcium carbonate exoskeleton
Sedimentation
When marine organisms due, their bodies sink to ocean floor where they are broken down into sediments that contain carbon
Burial
Over long periods of time, pressure of water compress carbon
Sedimentary stone
Limestone/sandstone
Coal
Result of dead ferns + other vegetation but fossilized